Summer with the family in Chamonix — in the heart of the Lavancher
Five ideas to pace a stay with children in Chamonix Mont-Blanc — hiking, lakes, Montenvers train, animal park, evenings by the fire pit.
Summer in Chamonix is all about experiencing the altitude barefoot in the grass. Children run in gardens, marmots whistle in the alpine meadows, and cable cars ascend without coats. Ten minutes from the center of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, in the unspoiled hamlet of Le Lavancher, the Chalet Hotel Jeu de Paume has made family holidays one of its signatures. Here are five ideas to structure a summer for your family — without overloading the schedule.
1. A family hike — choice depending on age
Le Lavancher is a direct starting point for several family-friendly trails . For younger children (3-6 years old), the Arveyron springs walk is short, shaded, and ends in a mini-canyon where they can enjoy a snack. For 6-10 year olds , the Chalet du Chapeau trail offers a beautiful view of the Mer de Glace glacier. And for the more adventurous , La Flégère and Lac Blanc via cable car are classic Alpine hikes—provided you've packed a picnic and a windbreaker.
2. The Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers train — a guaranteed memory
Two classic attractions in the valley. The Aiguille du Midi cable car , at 3,842 meters altitude, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps—the Bossons Glacier at its base, the Mont Blanc range opposite, and the Step into the Void for those who dare. For younger visitors or those who prefer to avoid the altitude, the Montenvers train —a historic cog railway—climbs to the Mer de Glace glacier in twenty minutes, all the way to the ice cave. For logistical information, see the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc website for schedules and fares.
3. A day at the lake — swimming and picnic
In Chamonix during the summer, the lakes of Passy and Châtelard are popular swimming spots for families. To stay close to Le Lavancher, the Lac des Gaillands at the entrance to Chamonix offers a more tranquil experience—cool water, grassy areas, paddleboarding, and pedal boats. And for a spectacular view without swimming, the walk to Lac Bleu , easily accessible from Argentière, is a delightful micro-adventure.
4. The Merlet Wildlife Park — ibex in semi-freedom
A firm favorite with families. The Merlet Animal Park , perched at 1,540 meters in Les Houches, is home to iconic Alpine animals roaming in semi-freedom: ibex, chamois, marmots, fallow deer, and mouflon. Children wander along marked trails, encounter the animals at close range, and often take home their first real marmot photo. For donkey lovers, the Compagnie des Ânes in Les Houches offers guided walks at the leisurely pace of a gentle quadruped.
5. Evening at Lavancher — fire pit, pétanque, brunch & barbecue
In summer, the hamlet of Lavancher is bathed in light until ten o'clock in the evening. In the hotel gardens, the fire pit is lit at dusk. Children gather the pétanque balls , parents pour themselves a drink, and the golden light slowly settles over the Aiguilles. On weekends, the brunch and barbecue at La Table du Lavancher —served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—is a favorite with families: a generous sweet and savory buffet, barbecue prepared by the chef, and a special children's menu created by chef Mathilde Walisko—featuring eco-friendly, seasonal, and homemade products.
And at the hotel — a family-friendly haven
The Chalet Jeu de Paume We welcome families with care. rooms and suites They offer communicating setups for parents and children. spa — heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzis — is accessible to accompanied children at certain times. map of the little sledders The set menu at the restaurant is lovingly prepared by Chef Mathilde Walisko: starter + main course (choose your own) + dessert + drink, tailored to different age groups (€8 for 1-3 year olds, €16 for 4-8 year olds, €20 for 9-12 year olds). For childcare needs, see our concierge page childcare.
Book your family stay
Book online, by phone at +33 (0)4 50 54 03 76 or by email at contact@jeudepaumechamonix.com.
Frequently Asked Questions — Summer with the family in Chamonix
Which hikes are suitable for families around Lavancher?
Does the Rosebud restaurant offer a children's menu?
Le spa Is it open to children?
Does the hotel offer family rooms?
What activities are there for rainy days?
With the family, after the day's adventures: treat yourself to BBQ Brunch & Spa of the Hotel Jeu de PaumeFacing the Mont Blanc massif — generous buffet, barbecue on the terrace and access to spa, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the summer.
